Acute Vascular Complications Research Articles

Analysis of prognostic factors of pediatric kidney transplantation

Objective: To evaluate the short-and mid-term efficacy of pediatric kidney transplantation and the risk factors for kidney graft and recipient. Methods: The baseline data and postoperative complications of pediatric donors and recipients of 284 kidney transplants were retrospectively analyzed in the Department of Kidney Transplantation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2010 to May 2021 and all subjects were followed up until December 31, 2021. According to the survival status of donors and recipients, they were divided into the graft-loss group and the graft-survival group, and the recipient death group and survival group, respectively. Univariate comparison between groups was performed by Log-rank test, and Cox proportional risk model was used to explore the independent risk factors for the graft and recipient survival. Results: Among the 284 children recipients, 184 cases (64.8%) were male and 100 cases(35.2%) were female, and 19 cases (6.7%) were living relative donor renal transplantation, 19 cases (6.7%) were preemptive transplantation, and 8 cases were secondary transplantation. The age of 284 recipients at the time of transplantation was 13.0 (9.0, 15.0) years, among whom 29 cases aged 0-6 years, 96 cases aged 7-11 years old, and 159 cases aged 12-18 years. The 1, 3, and 5 year survival rates were 92.3%, 88.9% and 84.8% for the kidney grafts, and were 97.1%, 95.6% and 94.4% for the recipients, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed postoperative acute rejection (HR=3.14, 95%CI 1.38-7.15, P=0.006) and perioperative vascular complications (HR=4.73, 95%CI 2.03-11.06, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for the survival of kidney graft. Postoperative infection (HR=14.23, 95%CI 3.45-58.72, P<0.001) was an independent risk factor for the postoperative mortality of recipients. Conclusions: Pediatric kidney transplantation shows a good short-and mid-term prognosis. Postoperative acute rejection and perioperative vascular complications are the risk factors for the survival of kidney graft, and postoperative infection is the risk factor affecting the survival of recipient.

Comparison of 6-Month Outcomes of Endovascular vs Surgical Revascularization for Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia

The Bypass Versus Angioplasty for Severe Ischemia of the Leg randomized controlled trial showed comparable outcomes between endovascular revascularization (ER) and surgical revascularization (SR) for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). However, several observational studies showed mixed results. Most of these studies were conducted before advanced endovascular technologies were available. To compare ER and SR treatment strategies for 6-month outcomes among patients with CLI. This retrospective, population-based cohort study used the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify 66 277 patients with CLI who underwent ER or SR from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. Data analyses were conducted from January 1, 2022, to February 8, 2022. A propensity score with 1:1 matching was applied. Patients with CLI who underwent ER or SR were identified, and those with missing information on the length of stay and/or younger than 18 years were excluded. Endovascular or surgical revascularization. The primary outcome was a major amputation at 6 months. Significant secondary outcomes were in-hospital and 6-month mortality and an in-hospital safety composite of acute kidney injury, major bleeding, and vascular complication. Subgroup analysis was conducted for major amputation in high-volume centers. A total of 66 277 patients were identified between 2016 and 2018 who underwent ER or SR for CLI. The Nationwide Readmissions Database does not provide racial and ethnic categories. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 69.3 (12) years, and 62.5% of patients were male. A total of 54 546 patients (82.3%) underwent ER and 11 731 (17.7%) underwent SR. After propensity score matching, 11 106 matched pairs were found. Endovascular revascularization was associated with an 18% higher risk of major amputation compared with SR (997 of 10 090 [9.9%] vs 869 of 10 318 [8.4%]; hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08-1.29; P = .001). However, no difference was observed in major amputation risk when both procedures were performed in high-volume centers. Endovascular revascularization and SR had similar mortality rates (517 of 11 106 [4.7%] vs 490 of 11 106 [4.4%]; hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.93-1.20; P = .39). However, the ER group had a 17% lower risk of in-hospital safety outcomes compared with the SR group (2584 of 11 106 [23.3%] vs 2979 of 11 106 [26.8%]; odds ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.78-0.88; P < .001). The results of this study suggest that ER was safer, without any difference in mortality, but ER was associated with an increased risk of major amputation compared with SR. However, the risk of major amputation was similar when both procedures were performed at high-volume centers.

Drug-eluting versus nondrug peripheral vascular interventions.

IntroductionDrug-eluting (DRUG) peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs) are associated with higher patency rates than nondrug (NONDRUG) PVIs. Recent data raised safety concerns with using DRUG devices in PVIs.Material and methodsThe study population was extracted from the 2016 Nationwide Readmissions Database using the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition, clinical modifications/procedure coding system codes for PVI, DRUG and NONDRUG devices, and in-hospital procedural complications. Study endpoints included in-hospital all-cause mortality, length of index hospitalization, acute kidney injury (AKI), amputation, compartment syndrome, vascular complications, bleeding, and blood transfusion. Propensity matching was used to adjust for baseline characteristics.Results49,883 discharged patients who underwent lower extremity arterial PVI were identified, 25.3% DRUG and 74.7% NONDRUG PVI. Mean age was 68.3 years and 40.6% were female. Critical limb ischemia was reported in 33.2%, claudication in 7.6%, and acute limb ischemia in 0.1%. In comparison to the NONDRUG group, the DRUG group was associated with lower in-hospital all-cause mortality (2.2 vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001), shorter length of index hospitalization (8.3 vs. 8.6 days, p = 0.001), bleeding (12.0% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.001), and need for blood transfusion (10.1% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.004). There was no significant difference in terms of AKI (17.3% vs. 18.0%, p = 0.10), amputation (15.3% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.63), compartment syndrome (0.5% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.07), or vascular complications (0.8% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.50). After propensity matching, the mortality benefit was no longer present.ConclusionsDRUG PVI was associated with lower in-hospital all-cause mortality, bleeding events and shorter length of index hospitalization and comparable vascular-related complications. However, this mortality benefit was no longer present after propensity matching.

Association of Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease and Deep Venous Thrombosis with Risk of Consequent Sepsis Event: A Retrospective Population-Based Cohort Study.

Peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause a variety of acute and chronic vascular complications and put patients at risk of subsequent sepsis. This study aimed to determine whether DVT compared with PAOD patients would increase the risk of sepsis. This study recruited 43,535 patients newly diagnosed as having PAOD and 6932 patients who were newly diagnosed as having DVT from a population of 2 million patients from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database. Propensity score matching (PSM) between the PAOD and DVT groups was performed for age, sex, comorbidities, and prior antibiotic administration. A total of 4383 patients with PAOD and 4383 patients with DVT were analyzed for risk of sepsis. The incidence density of sepsis per 1000 person years for patients with PAOD was 25.75 (95% CI = 23.90 to 27.74) and 35.61 (95% CI = 33.29 to 38.09) for patients with DVT. After age, sex, associated comorbidities, and antibiotic administration were adjusted for, the risk of sepsis for the DVT group was 1.46-fold (95% CI = 1.32–1.62) higher than that for the PAOD group. In conclusion, patients with DVT were associated with a higher risk of subsequent sepsis than patients with PAOD. Aging was another risk factor.

Outcomes, Temporal Trends, And Resource Utilization In Ischemic Vs Non-ischemic Cardiogenic Shock

<h3>Background</h3> Cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Differentiating the etiologic factors driving CS has epidemiological significance and aids in optimization of therapeutic strategies, prognostication and resource utilization. The aim herein is to investigate the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of cardiogenic shock in those with ischemic and non-ischemic CS etiologies. <h3>Methods</h3> : Using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, we queried the National Inpatient Sample for cardiogenic shock hospitalization from 2007 to 2018 and divided the study sample into cohorts of ischemic (I-CS) and nonischemic cardiogenic shock. (NI-CS). We then compared the primary outcome of in-hospital mortality between these two cohorts. Two groups of secondary outcomes (clinical and procedural) were also assessed between the two cohorts. <h3>Results</h3> : CS was present in 557,860 hospitalizations; 84% of these were I-CS and 15.8% NI-CS. Patients with I-CS were older, more commonly males, with more risk factors for coronary artery disease (p<0.05). NI-CS had higher prevalence of pre-existing systolic heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with I-CS (32.2% vs 29.5%, adjOR 1.10, p<0.001). Frequencies of acute ischemic stroke, mechanical ventilation, ventricular arrhythmias, and vascular complications were higher in I-CS vs NI-CS, while AKI and acute liver failure were more common in NI-CS (p<0.05). The use of mechanical circulatory support devices was higher in the I-CS group. <h3>Conclusions</h3> : Patients with I-CS comprise the vast majority of CS, and are associated with higher mortality and higher resource utilization. Conversely, patients with NI-CS appear to have higher survival but with a higher prevalence of end-organ dysfunction.

COVID-19 and atherosclerosis: looking beyond the acute crisis

COVID-19 and atherosclerosis: looking beyond the acute crisis

Acute Vascular Complications Developed on ECMO Support: Single Center Retrospective Study

Acute Vascular Complications Developed on ECMO Support: Single Center Retrospective Study

Alternative access in high-risk patients in the era of transfemoral aortic valve replacement

Background We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of transapical and transaortic transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in high-risk patients who were not suitable for transfemoral access and had a logistic EuroSCORE-I ≥ 25% and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score >6%. ‘STS/ACC TAVR In-Hospital Mortality Risk App’ was evaluated. Material and methods Between January 2016 and May 2020, 126 patients at very high risk for aortic valve replacement underwent transapical (n = 121) or transaortic (n = 5) transcatheter aortic valve replacement. TAVR was performed using SAPIEN 3™ or ACURATE TA™ prosthesis. Results The logistic EuroSCORE-I was 40.6 ± 14.0%, the STS-score 7.9 ± 4.6%, and STS/ACC-score 8.4 ± 3.4%. Valve implantation was successful in all patients. Operative, in-hospital and 30-days mortality, were 0, 7.9, and 13.5%, respectively. Survival was 72% at one year and 48% at four years. Expected/observed in-hospital mortality was 1.0 for the STS-score and 1.06 for the STS/ACC-score. Renal failure, low ejection fraction, and postoperative acute kidney injury, hemorrhage, and vascular complications were identified as independent predictors for 30-day mortality. Conclusions Transapical and transaortic TAVR in high-risk patients unsuitable for transfemoral access is still a reasonable alternative in these patients. STS and STS/ACC-score appear to be highly accurate in predicting in-hospital mortality in high-risk patients undergoing TAVR.

Outcomes, Temporal Trends, and Resource Utilization in Ischemic versus Nonischemic Cardiogenic Shock.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Differentiating the etiologic factors driving CS has epidemiological significance and aids in optimization of therapeutic strategies, prognostication, and resource utilization. The aim herein is to investigate the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of CS in those with ischemic and nonischemic CS etiologies. Using International Classification of Diseases codes, we queried the national inpatient sample for CS hospitalization from 2007 to 2018 and divided the study sample into cohorts of ischemic (I-CS) and nonischemic cardiogenic shock (NI-CS). We then compared the primary outcome of in-hospital mortality between these 2 cohorts. Two groups of secondary outcomes (clinical and procedural) were also assessed between the 2 cohorts. CS was present in 557,860 hospitalizations; 84% of these were I-CS and 15.8% NI-CS. Patients with I-CS were older, more commonly males, with more risk factors for coronary artery disease (P < 0.05). NI-CS had higher prevalence of preexisting systolic heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with I-CS (32.2% vs. 29.5%, adjusted odds ratio 1.10, P < 0.001). Frequencies of acute ischemic stroke, mechanical ventilation, ventricular arrhythmias, and vascular complications were higher in I-CS versus NI-CS, while acute kidney injury and acute liver failure were more common in NI-CS (P < 0.05). The use of mechanical circulatory support devices was higher in the I-CS group. In conclusion, patients with I-CS comprise the vast majority of CS and are associated with higher mortality and higher resource utilization. Conversely, patients with NI-CS appear to have higher survival but with a higher prevalence of end-organ dysfunction.

Abstract 10817: Association of Hospital Procedural Volumes with Outcomes of Left Ventricular Assist Devices

Introduction: Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) are effective and feasible options for stage D heart failure. The impact of procedural volumes on LVAD outcomes has been seldomly investigated. Methods: We investigated the Nationwide Readmission Database for the impact of different institutional LVAD volumes on clinical outcomes in 2018. Institutional procedural volumes were stratified into Low (1-7/year), medium (8-24/year) and high (&gt;25/year). Multivariant analysis and adjusted odds ratio was performed to examine association between LVAD hospital volumes and outcomes. Primary outcome was major adverse events (MAE) defined as a composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke or TIA, bleeding requiring transfusion, acute kidney injury, vascular complications and pericardial effusion or tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis or surgery. Results: A total of 2315 patients underwent LVAD placement, with a mean age of 57. No difference in age, sex or presence of chronic disease was noted among patient in different procedural volume tiers. There was statistically significant difference in MAE in medium-volume center when comparing to low volume centers. No difference in MAE was present in low and high-volume center. No significant difference was noted in 30-day all cause readmission, 30-day heart failure readmission or in individual components of MAE across different hospital procedural volumes. Conclusions: Medium-volume centers are associated with better composite clinical outcomes. Overall, no difference in mortality, stroke or myocardial infarction exists among different volume centers. Further clinical research is warranted to clarify the appropriate minimum LVAD procedural volumes required for accreditation.

Abstract 10037: Cerebral Embolic Protection During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Updated Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: In patient undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), stroke remains a potentially devastating complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hypothesis: To reduce the risk of stroke, cerebral protection devices (CPD) were developed to prevent debris from embolizing to the brain during TAVI.The data on the safety and efficacy of cerebral protection devices (CPD) remains limited. Methods: We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis to determine the safety and efficacy of CPD in TAVI. The MEDLINE (PubMed, Ovid) and Cochrane databases were queried with various combinations of medical subject headings to identify relevant articles. Statistical analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate unadjusted odds ratio (OR). Results: Using a pooled analysis, CPD was associated with a significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.96, p=0.03) and stroke (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42-0.90, p=0.08) in patients undergoing TAVI. Similarly, on MRI volume per lesion were lower for patients with CPD use (SMD -0.79 [-1.30,-0.28], p&lt;0.01). No significant difference were observed in mortality (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.60-1.55, p=0.88), acute kidney injury (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.42-1.37, p=0.68), bleeding (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.52-1.65, p=0.80) or vascular complications (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.62-1.31, p=0.6) for patients undergoing TAVI with CPD. Conclusions: In conclusion, CPD device use in TAVI is associated with a reduction of MACE and stroke compared with patients undergoing TAVI without CPD.

Abstract 11206: In-Hospital Outcomes of Aortic Valve Repair in Diabetes Patients: Data from the National Inpatient Sample

Introduction: Diabetes is associated with increased cardiovascular complications. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that patients hospitalized for aortic valve repair have a worse outcome in the presence of diabetes. Methods: Data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was analysed between 2012 to 2017. We compared hospitalization, in-hospital cardiovascular outcomes and socio-economic outcomes between patients with diabetes vs non-diabetes hospitalized for SAVR and TAVR. Results: In diabetes patients undergoing TAVR, mean age of participants decreased from 79.6 ±8 to 67.8 ±8, total cases increased from the number of cases increased from 2280 to 18940 (p&lt;0.002 for both). Mortality, acute renal failure (ARF) and stroke decreased with time. When compared to non-diabetic patients, diabetes patients were younger and had a similar risk of mortality. However, they had a higher risk of stroke and ARF (adjusted OR= 1.174 [1.03-1.34], 1.294 [1.24-1.35]; respectively). In diabetes patients undergoing sAVR, mean age of participants decreased from 70.4 ±10 to 68 ±9 (p&lt;0.001). Total cases remained stable but mortality, bleeding, acute renal failure and vascular complications decreased with time (p&lt;0.036 for all). When compared to non-diabetic patients, diabetes patients were older and had a higher risk of mortality, stroke and ARF (adjusted OR= 1.115 [1.06-1.17], 1.140 [1.05-1.23], 1.217 [1.18-1.26]; respectively). Mortality of diabetes patients undergoing TAVR was initially higher than those in the TAVR group. However, the trend was inversed starting 2014 (Figure 1) Conclusions: Mortality and other cardiovascular outcomes are decreasing with time in patients with diabetes undergoing aortic valve repair. In TAVR patients, there was no difference in the burden of diabetes on mortality. However, SAVR patients with diabetes still experience a higher mortality rate. Nevertheless, most post-procedural complications are higher in the presence of diabetes

P-Selectin Deficiency Reduces Acute Vascular Complications but Not Chronic Organ Damage in Sickle Cell Mice

P-selectin (Psel) is an adhesion molecule expressed on platelets and endothelial cells, which interacts with its ligand PSGL-1 on leukocytes and a PSGL-1-like molecule on sickle red blood cells (RBCs). Psel mediates the formation of the multicellular aggregates that promote vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and acute painful episodes in sickle cell disease (SCD). Crizanlizumab, a monoclonal antibody blocking Psel, reduces the frequency of VOC in SCD patients. In SCD mice, Psel contributes to heme-induced microvascular stasis, and thrombus and platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation in the lung and liver. Unexpectedly, Psel deficiency promotes liver senescence in a mouse model of SCD, suggesting a possible detrimental effect of Psel inhibition. In this study, we further investigated the long-term effects of Psel deficiency on thromboinflammation and end-organ damage in murine SCD.We used Townes wild type (AA) and sickle (SS) mice (n=12-27) that either express Psel (Psel +/+) or lack Psel (Psel -/-) at 11-12 months of age. Kidney damage was evaluated by histology and urine analysis. Heart function was determined using echocardiography. Complete blood counts and plasma biomarkers of thrombin generation (thrombin anti-thrombin [TAT] complexes) and inflammation (interleukin [IL]-6) were also analyzed. In addition, in a pilot experiment, we analyzed the effect of Psel deficiency on experimental venous thrombosis in SS mice.SS Psel +/+ mice exhibited renal damage, urinary concentrating defect, and reduced creatinine clearance, which was not improved in SS Psel -/- mice. Psel deficiency attenuated glomerular (GLM) congestion (0.17±0.05 vs 0.39±0.06, p<0.05) but failed to prevent GLM injury, as evidenced by similar extent of GLM sclerosis, hypertrophy and podocyte loss in SS mice. Interestingly, only SS P-sel -/- mice presented withdistinct differences in GLM structure, demonstrated by extensive hypercellularity, mesangial expansion and mesangiolysis. We also observed tubular injury concomitant with brush border loss and interstitial fibrosis in SS mice, regardless of Psel expression. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in CD3 + T cells (5.0±1.2 vs 9.5±1.6 cells/field; p<0.05) and macrophages (1.0±0.1 vs 1.6±0.2 % of area; p<0.05) infiltration in the kidney cortex of SS Psel -/- compared to SS Psel +/+ mice. This corresponded to a greater renal iron accumulation in SS Psel -/- mice (59.9±4.2 vs 48.2±3.2 Mpix/μm; p<0.05).We observed cardiac hypertrophy (elevated heart weight to tibia length ratio) in SS mice, regardless of Psel expression. Echocardiography of left ventricle (LV) revealed that SS mice had increased LV mass and LV internal diameter with no change in ejection fraction or fractional shortening compared to AA mice. None of these parameters were affected by Psel expression. Furthermore, hypertrophy observed in other organs (kidney, liver, lung and spleen) of SS Psel +/+ mice was also not affected by Psel deficiency.Consistent with previous studies, SS Psel +/+ mice had elevated plasma levels of TAT and IL-6 compared to AA Psel +/+ mice. Psel deficiency significantly reduced IL-6 (47±15 vs 20±10 ng/mL, P<0.05), but had no effect on elevated plasma TAT levels in SS mice. Despite the lack of effect of Psel deficiency on systemic thrombin generation in SS mice, femoral vein thrombi formed after electrolytic injury exhibited a strong trend in reduced fibrin and platelet content compared to SS Psel+/+ mice (n=5 per group).As expected, SS Psel +/+ mice exhibited anemia as shown by reduced RBC number, hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) compared to AA Psel +/+ animals. Interestingly, these parameters were further decreased in SS Psel -/- mice (p<0.01 for all); RBC (5.6±0.2 vs 4.4±0.4 x 10 6/mL), Hg (6.7±0.2 vs 5.7±0.2 g/dL) and Hct (25.1±1.1 vs 19.7±1.1%). This was accompanied by a significant increase in mean corpuscular Hb concentration (26.9±0.5 vs 29.2±0.5 g/dL p< 0.01) but no changes in RBC mean corpuscular volume in SS Psel -/-mice compared to SS Psel +/+ mice.Our data suggest that despite improving acute vascular pathologies, including VOC and thromboinflammation, long term deficiency of Psel does not prevent end-organ damage. If fact, it may contribute to organ dysfunction and enhanced anemia. More mechanistic studies are needed to better understand the long-term effects of anti-Psel treatment in SCD patients. DisclosuresReeves: Incyte Corporation: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Speakers Bureau; Pharma Essentia: Consultancy, Honoraria. Sundd: CSL Behring Inc: Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Association Between Previous or Active Cancer and Clinical Outcomes in TAVR Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 255,840 Patients

Background: It has been proposed that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may be an option for patients with cancer and severe aortic stenosis. We assessed the association between previous or active cancer and clinical outcomes in TAVR patients.Methods: We searched four electronic databases from inception to March 05, 2021. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, acute kidney injury, pacemaker implantation, major bleeding, and vascular complications. All meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Relative risks (RRs) and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were pooled.Results: Thirteen cohort studies involving 255,840 patients were included. The time period for mortality ranged from inpatient to 10 years. Patients with active cancer had a higher risk of all-cause mortality using both crude (RR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.13–1.88) and adjusted (aHR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.43–2.25) estimates compared to non-cancer group. In contrast, the risk of cardiovascular mortality (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.58–2.73), myocardial infarction (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.34–2.57), stroke (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.75–1.09), pacemaker implantation (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.50–1.53), acute kidney injury (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.74–1.04), major bleeding (RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.80–1.66), and vascular complications (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.79–1.18) was similar between patients with or without cancer.Conclusion: Our review shows that TAVR patients with active cancer had an increased risk of all-cause mortality. No significant association with secondary outcomes was found.

Venous Thromboembolism for the Practicing Cardiologist.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), encompassing pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is encountered commonly. Acute PE may present as a high-risk cardiovascular emergency, and acute DVT can cause acute and chronic vascular complications. The goal of this review is to ensure that cardiologists are comfortable managing VTE-including risk stratification, anticoagulation therapy, and familiarity with primary reperfusion therapy. Clinical assessment and determination of degree of right ventricular dysfunction are critical in initial risk stratification of PE and determination of parenteral versus oral anticoagulation therapy. Direct oral anticoagulants have emerged as preferred first-line oral anticoagulation strategy in VTE scenarios.

Transcatheter Mitral Edge-to-Edge Repair in Patients with Primary or Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

&#x0D; Four systematic reviews (SRs) and 6 retrospective cohort studies provided evidence for the clinical effectiveness of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) versus open heart conventional surgical mitral valve repair or replacement (SMVR) in patients with primary or secondary mitral regurgitation (MR). No relevant evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of TMVR versus SMVR in patients with primary or secondary MR was identified; therefore, no summary can be provided.&#x0D; There was evidence indicating a statistically significant difference in favour of TMVR over SMVR regarding the odds of post-procedure bleeding, need for permanent pacemaker implantation, 30-day readmission, and a shorter duration of hospitalization.&#x0D; There was evidence suggesting a statistically significant difference in favour of SMVR over TMVR regarding the odds of recurrent MR, the need for reoperation, and mortality rate (i.e., during hospitalization, at 1 year, and &gt; 3 years). Also, compared with TMVR, the likelihood of residual MR grade &gt; 2 or freedom from MR grade ≥ 2 or ≥ 3 at 4 years was statistically significantly lower or higher, respectively, with SMVR.&#x0D; Evidence regarding the comparative clinical effectiveness of TMVR versus SMVR concerning stroke, acute kidney injury (AKI), cardiogenic shock, and death during hospitalization was conflicting and inconclusive.&#x0D; There was no evidence of a significant difference between the 2 interventions regarding overall mortality or mortality at 5 years, overall survival, freedom from cardiac death at 4 years, cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction (MI), and respiratory or vascular complications.&#x0D; A major limitation of the evidence was that it derives from studies of low or unknown quality and risk of bias, Furthermore, all the findings are confounded by differences in patient selection, which reflect the approved indications for the interventions but prevent a direct comparison between the TMVR and SMVR groups.&#x0D;

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in severe aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Aortic stenosis (AS) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are typical degenerative diseases of the elderly. According to recent studies, up to 16% of patients referred to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have a concomitant diagnosis of CA. Until recently, TAVR in patients with CA and AS has been considered futile, following the results of small observational studies. However, few studies recently suggested a beneficial impact of TAVR in patients with AS and CA as compared with medical therapy alone. Purpose To clarify the efficacy and safety profile of TAVR in CA-AS patients. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating the risk of mortality after TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared with medical therapy. Moreover, we performed a systematic review and descriptive meta-analysis of studies reporting outcomes and complication rates of TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared with patients with AS alone. Results We identified 4 observational studies reporting data on mortality in CA-AS patients treated with either TAVR or medical therapy. Mortality was significantly lower in patients undergoing TAVR (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.73, I2=0%, NNT=2.6) as compared with medical therapy. A sensitivity analysis with hazard ratio as effect estimate showed consistent results. Then, we identified 4 observational studies reporting data on mortality, re-hospitalizations and periprocedural complications of TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared with patients with AS alone. We found higher rates of mortality, cardiovascular hospitalization and need for permanent pacemaker implantation in CA-AS patients as compared to lone AS patients undergoing TAVR. Conversely, no differences were found in terms of stroke, acute kidney injury and vascular complications. Conclusions Our analysis rejects the idea of futility of TAVR in CA-AS patients showing a clear survival benefit of CA-AS patients undergoing TAVR as compared with medical therapy. Moreover, these patients may undergo TAVR with an acceptable procedural risk, that is substantially comparable to lone AS patients, except for a higher incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with and without atrial fibrillation: Insight from national inpatient sample

ABSTRACT Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most frequent rhythm disturbance encountered in the population in general. Our study aims to evaluate the in-hospital outcomes of TAVR with AF. Methods We used National Inpatient Sample database from 2011 to 2018. Baseline characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were evaluated in TAVR based on AF status or not in both unmatched and propensity-matched cohorts. Results A total of 215,938 patients underwent TAVR during our study period and out of these AF was encountered in 89,587 (41.5%) patients. AF patients undergoing TAVR had a higher mean age and had an increased burden of key co-morbidities in the unmatched cohort. With propensity matched 1:1 analysis, AF had higher mortality as compared to no-AF group (2.4% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.01). The rate of cardiogenic shock (2.9% vs 2.1%), respiratory complications (9.9% vs 8.2%), acute kidney injury (15.6% vs 12.0%), vascular complications (5.0% vs 4.7%), and blood transfusion (10.4% vs 8.6%) was higher in TAVR patients with AF. A lower proportion of patients had routine discharge to home for TAVR with AF (80.8% vs 74.4%). Cost of hospitalization (23,0171[SD, 20,5242] vs 210,608[28,4203]) and length of stay (5.7[SD, 11.8] vs 4.29[7.2] days) were considerably higher in patients undergoing TAVR with AF. Conclusion Patients undergoing TAVR with concomitant AF tended to have increased mortality, complications, length, and cost of stay compared to non-AF patients.

Access Site Complications of Peripheral Endovascular Procedures: A Large, Prospective Registry on Predictors and Consequences

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors and consequences of acute vascular access site complications (ASCs) related to peripheral endovascular diagnostic or interventional procedures. Despite improvement of puncture techniques, access site–related morbidity and mortality is still considerable. Materials and Methods A total of 5263 participants who underwent 5385 endovascular procedures at a single center were consecutively included in this prospective, observational study. Primary outcomes were ASCs defined as composite of puncture site hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, and overt puncture site bleeding on the first day after procedure. Results ASCs occurred in 16.6% of peripheral endovascular procedures (78.6% hematomas, 18.9% pseudoaneurysms, 1.4% arteriovenous fistulas, 1.1% overt bleedings). Independent predictors were advanced age [odds ratio (OR) per 10 years: 1.12, p=0.004], female sex (OR men, 0.77; p=0.001), lysis (OR 3.56; p<0.001), periprocedural heparin (OR 5000 IU, 1.96; p=0.001; OR >5000 IU, 3.56; p=0.02), time to access (OR per 10 seconds, 1.01; p<0.001), sheath size (OR per French, 1.59; p<0.001), brachial artery access (OR vs retrograde transfemoral, 4.58; p<0.001), and compression only (OR Angio-Seal, 0.57, p=0.02; ProGlide, 0.36, p<0.001; FemoSeal, 0.57, p<0.001). Treatment was required in 20.2% and prolonged hospitalization in 17.7% of ASC. Three participants died from access site–related bleeding. Conclusion ASCs after peripheral endovascular procedures are associated with advanced age, female sex, periprocedural antithrombotic medication, brachial artery access, postinterventional bleeding, and nonuse of vascular closure devices.

Meta-analysis of minimalist versus standard care approach for transcatheter aortic valve replacement

ABSTRACT Background The change in practice of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to a minimalist approach is a debate. Methods Online database search for studies that compared the minimalist approach with the standard approach for TAVR were searched from inception through September 2020. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the fixed or random-effects model. Results A total of 9 studies with 2,880 TAVR patients (minimalist TAVR;1066 and standard TAVR; 1,814) were included. Compared to standard approach, there were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, or hospital readmissions. However, there was a reduced risk of acute kidney injury (OR0.49;95%CI0.27–0.89), major bleeding (OR0.21;95%CI0.12–0.38) and major vascular complications (OR0.60,95%CI0.39–0.91) associated with the minimalist TAVR group. There was comparatively shorter hospital length of stay (mean difference −2.41;95%CI-2.99,-1.83) days, procedural time (mean difference −43.99;95%CI-67.25,-20.75) minutes, fluoroscopy time (mean difference −2.69;95%CI-3.44,-1.94) minutes and contrast volume (mean difference −26.98;95%CI-42.18,-11.79) ml in the minimalist TAVR group. Conclusions This meta-analysis demonstrated potential benefits of the minimalist TAVR approach over the standard approach regarding some adverse clinical outcomes as well as procedural outcomes without significant differences in mortality or readmission rates.